Created and led by Paul Knopf & Bernardo Rosa of the Pomona Unified School District, Young Men's Circle served young men from several high schools within the district. However, the program needed the perspective & advice of young men to whom the high school students could directly relate. As the Community Engagement Ambassador for BLOC, Martin, began working with Paul to bring BLOC in as the leaders of the Young Men's Circle program. Martin Barrera and founders of BLOC became the program's first directors & lead a team of 15-20 BLOC members to hold mentoring meetings at Pomona High School weekly to the students struggling most, i.e minority males, their presence in math, science & corporate levels, athletically inclined but academically struggling. BLOC is about fostering and nurturing holistic leaders in all fields.

Brian Ssembajjwe

YMC Founder

Marcellus Demer

Executive Director (2012-2016)

Taking over for Martin as director, Marcellus continued and redesigned the program at Pomona High School. He then went on to expand the program to Ganesha High School in Pomona, CA.

Jaureese Gaines

Program Executive (2012-2016)

As Marcellus began working with Ganesha High School, Jaureese took on a significant role at Pomona High School. He has created valuable and relatable lesson plans to teach the mentees.

Ivan Soloman

Executive Director (2016-Present)

Ivan took over as Executive for Marcellus in his sophomore year, running weekly programming logistics for both high schools.

Semassa Boko

Program Executive (2016-2018)

Semassa works with Ivan and the high schools in coordination, lesson planning, & discussion leading every week.

Darien Boyd

Executive Director (2017-2018)

Darien leads the mentoring groups & discussions at Pomona High school every week.